The 23-year-old Breen broke Melinda Gainsford-Taylor's 20-year-old national 100m record when she clocked 11.11 seconds in her heat at the ACT championships in Canberra on Sunday.

Gainsford-Taylor tweeted her congratulations soon after news broke of that Breen had bettered her by one hundredth of a second.

"Congratulations Mel for breaking the record. I am really proud of you," she wrote.

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Breen then capped off a banner day before hometown supporters at the AIS track by beating Olympic 100m hurdles champion Sally Pearson to win the final, clocking 11.15 to runner-up Pearson's 11.27.

It was the first time Breen had beaten Pearson in 30 head to head clashes.

Her two times were a huge improvement on the personal best of 11.25 that she set last March.

"I just smashed it," she said.

"I'm the fastest Australian ever, that's just insane.

"I'm so proud to do it on my home track in front of my friends and family."

Breen's road to national record holder has been a rocky one.

Athletics Australia last year cut her funding after deeming she hadn't shown enough improvement to suggest she'd make the final at either the next two world championships or the 2016 Olympic Games.

"When that decision came to fruition I honestly didn't train for a week, it messed with me massively," said Breen.

"For your own federation to give you so little faith, it made me question everything. But it did harden me up, and sometimes it's fun to prove people wrong."

Breen said she "absolutely" believes she can break the 11-second barrier by the year's end, and hopes her continued improvement will sway Athletics Australia to send funding back her way.

"Running under 11 seconds is more than possible in the next year, it's obviously very early in the season," Breen said.

"I hope they change their decision, but if they don't it's their loss.

"But right now, I'm not focused on (the funding), it's just about seeing everyone that's come to support me."

Breen and Pearson were neck and neck at the 50m mark before the new Australian record holder edged out in front.

"I was actually more nervous for the heat, because when I got to the final I was like 'I'm the Australian record holder, I've got this'," she said.

"I just can't wait to have a little dance to myself and just scream. I'm immensely happy."

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39 comments

"I'm the fastest Australian ever". Um no. You are the fastest Australian woman ever. A small difference perhaps.... There'd be several hundred men at the very least who are faster. Queue feminists....

Commenter

Lie Lover

Date and time

February 09, 2014, 11:14AM

Well said......Same in women's tennis, golf, and the current snowboarding in Sochi.Watching the best women is like watching 3rd rate amateur menOnly only want to watch the best !

Commenter

Julie

Date and time

February 09, 2014, 11:45AM

Lie Lover i don't think you are suggesting that a line of feminists will appear, perhaps you mean cue?

Julie, I'm hoping you are either joking or lying about your name.

Commenter

Pendant (!)

Location

Everywhere

Date and time

February 09, 2014, 12:32PM

Wow, and in comes the tall poppy cutter.

Rather than hide behind the might of your keyboard, why don't you put your money where your mouth is and beat her time. I'm guessing your athletic ability is extremely low, and your knowledge of women's sport is even less.

Credit where credit is due, well done Mel.

Commenter

ST

Location

Sydney

Date and time

February 09, 2014, 12:45PM

Some people's lives are so sad they find it difficult to acknowledge others achievements. Your oxygen should be spared for those who deserve it!Congratulations Melissa, keep the faith.

Commenter

Sorry

Location

For You

Date and time

February 09, 2014, 12:53PM

Lie Lover, sad comment mate. Awesome effort by an elite athlete. Maybe you would like to challenge her to a race Lie Lover? I know who my money would be on!

Commenter

Bluey

Location

VIC

Date and time

February 09, 2014, 1:43PM

I agree with you @Sorry. Jealousy is a curse.

Commenter

J.G.

Date and time

February 09, 2014, 2:49PM

Am not jealous at all.Just want to watch the fastest & most exciting.Like Sochi Men's Downhill about to start ,.... The fastest off all !And FYI, I am an elite female athlete .....but very ordinary compared to men I train with

Commenter

Julie

Date and time

February 09, 2014, 3:16PM

Lie low. Bit of insecurity or just male chauvinism ? We all know what she meant. Hope next time a male says in the best ever etc you will say male and correct them. Yes men are bigger faster we know it and accept it. You can not even say well done. If it was a male breaking a 20 year old record in sure you would sing him praises. Put your club away the Stone Age is long over

Commenter

Jessica

Date and time

February 09, 2014, 4:04PM

So the Age of Entitlement for our champions is over. No more Olympic welfare. No more cars, no more fruit, no more medals.